USDA: Avian influenza cases confirmed in US

H5N2 found in northern pintail ducks and H5N8 found in captive gyrfalcons; no commercial poultry affected

The
United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian
influenza in wild birds in Whatcom County, Washington. Two separate virus
strains were identified: H5N2 avian influenza was found in northern pintail
ducks and H5N8 avian influenza was found in captive gyrfalcons that were fed
hunter-killed wild birds.

Neither
virus has been found in commercial poultry anywhere in the United States, the agency
stated.

The
avian influenza findings in Whatcom County were quickly reported and identified
due to increased surveillance for avian influenza in light of the H5N2 avian
influenza affecting commercial poultry in British Columbia, Canada, which is
directly north of Washington. Whatcom County borders Canada.

The
State of Washington, USDA, and other federal partners are working jointly on
additional surveillance and testing of birds in the nearby area.

APHIS
encourages all bird owners, whether commercial producers or backyard
enthusiasts, to practice good biosecurity, prevent contact between their birds
and wild birds, and to report sick birds or unusual bird deaths to state or federal
officials, either through your state veterinarian or through USDA’s toll-free
number at +1.866.536.7593.

Additional information on
biosecurity for backyard flocks can be found on the APHIS website.